Public Affairs Team

Jerry McKinstry
Interim Assistant VP, Public Affairs
Phone: (914) 773-3312
Email: jmckinstry@pace.edu

Jerry McKinstry leverages his strong ties to Westchester media, government, elected officials, the business community and local organizations for Pace University. Since joining the team in August of 2019, Jerry has helped faculty and staff secure placements in regional and national outlets. A former reporter for the Journal News, columnist for Newsday, and contributor for News 12 in Westchester, he has also worked for the Westchester County Executive’s Office and has been an adjunct journalism professor.

Shannon Thyberg
Public Affairs Associate
Phone: (914) 773-3124
Email: sthyberg@pace.edu

Shannon Thyberg joined Pace University’s Media Relations team in 2015. She coordinates and supports the schools with media opportunities, tracks all the media mentions and updates our website and the community about the important stories that shape Pace University. A former school teacher, Shannon is always ready to educate and spread the word about media and communications.

Madia Bestman
Program Coordinator
Phone: (212) 346-1020
Email: mbestman@pace.edu

Madia Bestman is the Public Affairs Program Coordinator for both New York City and Westchester. She recently graduated from Pace University Pleasantville in 2020 with her BBA in Advertising & Integrated Marketing Communications. Since the beginning of her college experience, Madia has been an active student leader from her involvement in orientation, honor societies, and student organizations. Her passion for advocating for Pace students led her to become the Student Government Association President from 2019-2020. She is excited to be back at Pace to use her extensive institutional knowledge in her position and to advocate for Pace students.